US President Donald Trump on Thursday pledged to prevent Israel from annexing the West Bank as tensions rise in Gaza. Trump’s remarks came ahead of a high-stakes visit to Washington by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who addresses the UN Friday.
Netanyahu has suggested annexation in response to recognition of a Palestinian state by France, Britain, and several Western powers. “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank,” Trump told reporters, emphasising that such a move “is not going to happen.”
Trump expressed cautious optimism about ending nearly two years of devastating conflict, echoing confidence shared by envoy Steve Witkoff at the UN. Trump spoke by phone with Netanyahu Thursday, while meeting Arab and Muslim leaders earlier, who warned of regional consequences from annexation.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Trump “understands very well the risks and dangers” posed by a West Bank annexation. The UAE, which normalised ties with Israel in 2020, has also publicly warned Netanyahu against annexation, highlighting growing diplomatic pressure.
Netanyahu has defied Trump in recent months with military operations in Iran, Qatar, and Syria, complicating US efforts at diplomacy. Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas addressed the UN via video after being denied a US visa for the visit. Abbas distanced himself from Hamas, calling for recognition of a Palestinian state and insisting “Hamas will not have a role in governance.”